Hinduism

I. Religion & Way of Life No single prophet or teacher Offers different paths Offers freedom to interpret own path, choose own deities

II. Religious Texts Vedas (1500 – 900 BCE) Other Texts Mahabharata Ramayana Bhagavad Gita Mahabharata – “Great Story” Ramayana – “Rama’s Way” Bhagavad Gita – warrior hero Arjuna and Krishna have a dialogue explaining the nature of duty and reality

III. Important Beliefs Dharma – moral duty & obedience Karma – moral consequences of acts; also described as destiny or fate determined by previous life Reincarnation Moksha – salvation or release from cycle of birth & rebirth

IV. Worship Puja – honor of gods & goddesses Elaborate sculptures & offering of food, water, flowers to connect spiritually with gods

Swaminarayan Akshardham Largest Hindu Temple located in New Delhi